Penguins Foundation and UPMC Host Free Mental Health Symposium for Coaches, Trainers, and Educators Supporting Student-Athletes

On April 3, 2025, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, in collaboration with UPMC Western Behavioral Health, UPMC Sports Medicine, the Citrone Thirty-Three Foundation, and the Staunton Farm Foundation, hosted Mental Health and Student-Athletes: Red Flags, Roles, Responses—a free educational symposium at PPG Paints Arena.

The event brought together coaches, athletic trainers, school counselors, and educators from across Western Pennsylvania to explore critical topics surrounding student-athlete mental health. Attendees heard from leading experts in psychiatry and sports psychology, including Dr. Ken Nash, Dr. Piper Carroll, Dr. Jay Darr, and Dr. Kevin Wildenhaus.

Sessions focused on recognizing red flags, managing performance pressure, supporting athletes during injury recovery, and connecting them to the right mental health resources. Certified athletic trainers also earned 3.5 CEUs for participation.

This marks the latest initiative in the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting the mental and emotional wellness of youth through education, outreach, and community collaboration.

For more information about future events or the Foundation’s ongoing work in mental health, please visit www.pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org.